TWENTY SEVEN It had been five days since rukkus wedding on one hand ashok and geeta were going back to Kashmir and machmach and rukku were leaving for their honeymoon. It was decided by Naani and Shruti that everyone should have breakfast at RM together one last time before the travellers departed. Antara a had been feeling anxious all morning, the thought of her parents leaving and rukku going away for two weeks was creating havoc inside her come on Antara, youre a big girl now stop being so childish she kept on consoling herself. As they reached RM they were greeted by everyone the whole family had really dressed for the occasion, they all looked immaculate. Antara looked down at what she was wearing her worn out jeans with a hooded top and her hair pushed back in a pony she started to feel a little out of place if I had known it was going to be a grand affair I would have dressed the part she whispered to rukku who couldnt help laugh dont worry silly, were you going to go to the Academy donned in a saree like you just come out of a wedding Antara and rukku shared a heartfelt moment Antara quickly turned to hug her I miss you so much rukku me too sweetie. As everyone took their seats at the table Antara looked around for Raghu. Since the wedding Shruti had been keeping a close eye on her brother and Antara, Shruti did not miss Antaras wondering eyes antara are you ok, are you looking for someone Shruti said biting her lip to control her laughter um n...no no one antara quickly lowered her gaze as she started to blush with embarrassment. shruti , where is Raghu? arnav asked as he took his seat, Shruti grinned as this was a perfect opportunity. antara could you please do me a favour, could you go and get Raghu, he is in his room Antara shot a look up at Shruti to see her smiling from ear to ear um...me...but all of a sudden Antara lost her ability to speak antara, go geeta looked at her oblivious to what was going on behind the scene. Antara got up and made her way to Raghus room as she stood outside she rubbed her palms against the sides of her legs the way Shruti had been looking at her made her feel nervous, Antara felt like a little school girl who had been caught out. Antara raised her hand to knock but before she could Raghu opened the door both Raghu and Antara let out a gasp and simultaneously skipped a heartbeat hi they both said in sync then both started laughing come in Raghu took Antaras hand and walked her into the room I dont think I could have asked for a better morning he said as he pulled her closer to him feeling more shy than usual Antara kept looking down um Shruti sent me, everyone is waiting for you at the breakfast table Raghu pulled Antara closer bringing his lips to her ear let them wait the warm air that escaped his lips sent a tingling sensation down Antara not being able to resist the closeness Antara lifted her left hand to wrap around Raghu then slowly moving forward to lean her head on his chest. Raghu put both his arms around her and held her tight. Where have they got to machmach thought out aloud, he was starving and couldnt wait any longer to dive into the scrumptious food that lay before him. Rukku got up ready to go and fetch the missing duo but as she did she saw them both come down the stair here you are, we were going to send out a search party, come on man weve been waiting ages machmach said to Raghu as he started piling his plate with food. Breakfast was pleasant everyone really had enjoyed themselves but it wasnt long until the echoes of laughter and happiness was over shadowed by the sadness of seeing ashok, geeta, rukku and machmach leave. Raghu saw the instant change in Antaras expression he went and stood by her as to say dont worry I am here. Antara bid a teary farewell to her parents who were being taken to the station by arnav. Rukku comforted Antara as she did Shruti came up to her antara, you are always welcome here, think of us as your family too we are only a phone call away Antara smiled at Shrutis kind gesture. Picking up her bag and wiping away the stray tears she quickly hugged rukku and machmach you guys have a fantastic time and I will see you on the other side...and dont forget my souvenir As Antara was about to leave Raghu called after her Antara if youre going to the Academy I can drop you off Antara smiled thank you but its totally out of your way, I am meeting Sara and Sahil half way not waiting for his response Antara left. Raghu was a little disappointed, he wasnt used to hearing no but seeing that everyone was around he let it go. As Raghu dropped off rukku and machmach to the airport he received a call from Naani who was panic stricken Naani calm down I can just about hear you raghu please hurry as soon as you left Shruti fainted, we are at St Marys Hospital...please hurry Raghus heart started to race he ran towards the car and sped off towards the hospital, he didnt understand Shruti was fine this morning what had happened to her as he drove he received a call from arnav yeah Naani just called Im on my way...ten more minutes. Raghu parked where ever he found a spot and ran through the hospital corridors frantically searching for where his family was he saw Naani being comforted by daya mai. Naani what happened...where is Shruti? Raghu the doctors are attending to her, we dont know what happened she was helping Ram in the kitchen and all of a sudden fell. Daya mai tried to explain but Raghu couldnt think straight he needed to see his sister now. Raghu paced up and down the corridor waiting for the doctor to come out after the longest ten minutes arnav and the doctor exited the room Raghu ran up to them Doctor what happened is she ok the doctor smiled placing his hand on Raghus shoulder as a reassuring gesture she is fine, there is nothing to worry about, I will let Mr arnav explain Raghu looked at arnav all tensed arnav, whats going on, if there is nothing to worry about then why did Shruti faint? arnav smiled its because youre about to become an uncle, Shruti is 3 months pregnant. On hearing the news Naani and daya mai stood up letting out a joyous scream, Raghu closed his eyes and threw his head back as relief washed over him, on one hand he was relieved that his sister was ok and on the other he was about to become an uncle this was the best news he had ever heard. The family all entered the room to see Shruti who was blushing; everyone congratulated her smothering her with endless hugs and kisses. Shruti saw Raghu standing by the door, she extended her hand for him to take and sit by her. Raghu moved closer taking his sisters hand they both hugged shedding tears of happiness. Shruti you scared the life out of me, I cant tell you how happy I am, since mum and dad... Shruti cupped her brothers face knowing exactly what he was thinking and wanting to say. shruti no more work... Raghu stood up and composed himself to look more serious Shruti smiled knowing how overboard her brother was about to go I mean it Shruti no cooking, cleaning, running around, stressing no nothing from no on all you concentrate on is my little niece everyone started laughing Niece? How can you be so sure arnav asked I just am Raghu shrugged then extending his hand to congratulate his brother in law. The doctor has asked Shruti to stay in for the night just for observation you guys go on home, Ill stay back with her arnav found it hard convincing his over protective in laws to leave. Once they did he sat by his wife caressing her stomach and talking to his baby. As soon as Raghu dropped of Naani and his aunt home he rushed to the office to meet with Aman, he needed the details of the Fashion Show and make sure that Sara and Sahil were up to date with their end of the work. As the day continued to pass Raghu got more and more caught up in his work as he walked to his cabin the receptionist passed him a list of messages that had come through as he went through them he saw one that said Antara, he immediately stopped in his tracks the message read the message. Have been trying to get hold of you all day, this was my last hope. I am going out of town for the last part of my project; unfortunately it will be an overnight thing so will be back tomorrow. I will try calling again later. Good luck with the trial runs. Antara Raghu quickly took his phone out and saw seven missed calls from Antara five text messages and three voice mails dammit Raghu strode up to his room and started dialling Antaras number to no avail it kept going to voice mail. He was more than annoyed, she hadnt mentioned anything about an overnight trip before, who was she going with , where was she going, would it be safe a hundred and one questions started o flood his mind. He quickly called Sahil if anyone knew he would know where she had gone to. Sahil, yes it Raghu...no thats not why I called. Do you know where Antara is...I mean I tried calling her but keep getting her voice mail Raghu was careful how he phrased his questions not wanting to let on too much No, I dont I thought she would be at the Academy, maybe Sara knows, Ill ask her and get back to you Thanks as soon as he disconnected the phone he rang Antara again only to be greeted by her voicemail. After a few minutes Sahil called Raghu back Hi, she has gone to Faridabad with two other students...um I think Sara said it was with Aisha and Karan thanks Sahil, Ill speak to you later. Faridabad what the hell is she doing there? he thought to himself in frustration. By the time Raghu reached home it was nearing nine oclock, he quickly checked on Naani and got an update on how Shruti was doing. raghu, are you ok dear, you look a little preoccupied? Naani asked seeing the obvious distress her grandson was displaying um no nothing Naani...ac...actually I was a little concerned about Antara.antara Naanis eyes lightened up What about her? she asked inwardly smiling at Raghus concern She has gone out of town over night and was just concerned that she never mentioned anything...and I cant get hold of her. Naani smiled as she stood up and walked over to him you know Antara is a little more responsible than you think, she called before she left, she told me that she had been trying to get hold of you and when she didnt get you at your office she called me and told me Raghus eyes widened he was pleasantly surprised all the stress and frustration that had been building up had started to subside........................................... TWENTY EIGHT Raghu tossed and turned he couldnt sleep it was past midnight and he still had not heard from Antara nor had he been able to contact her. His anxiety was fast building into anger as he desperately tried calling her unsuccessfully. Raghu looked over to his clock it was now nearly five oclock in the morning oh god...antara what are you playing at he seethed through his gritted teeth. Raghu paced his room feeling totally lost, he went out to the pool as he felt his lungs restrict in panic. As he tried to calm his breathing and get a grip of himself he heard his phone vibrate her ran to answer it without checking to see who it was he instantly lashed out Miss Antara Kaul where the hell are you, do you know how worried I have been, how can you have been so irresponsible and what the hell is wrong with your damn phone it keeps going to voice mail you have a lot of explaining to do Antara I am far from happy with you...antara are you listening to me, why arent you saying anything...an Raghu was cut off by an unfamiliar voice hello is this Mr Raghunath Naik? Raghu pulled the phone back to see who was calling the caller id was definitely Antaras so who was this guy? Yes this is Raghu, who the hell is this and what are you doing with Antaras phone, where is she Raghus voice was shaking with fear and panic. Mr Naik my name is Karan, I was with accompanying Antara on our trip to Faridabad...and...and And what Karan, where is she, is she ok Raghu was losing patience Mr Naik the coach we were travelling on was ambushed, the people took a number of prisoners an...and Antara was one of them Raghu felt as if he had been hit speeding train, he couldnt believe what he was hearing he froze his brain was signaling for him to respond to speak but his body refused to listen his heart that was racing beyond control now felt like it had stopped beating Mr Naik are you there...hello the voice on the other side brought Raghu snap out of his shocked state making him choke on the lump that was caught in his throat I...Im here Raghu finished listening carefully to what Karan had said and without wasting any more time he jumped in his car and drove relentlessly towards Faridabad. Every worst case scenario flashed before his eyes, he cursed himself for not having answered her calls. Raghu had left without having informed anyone he didnt want everyone to start worrying or panicking he had to deal with this himself. Raghu must have broken every traffic law going he managed to reach the main highway where the coach had been ambushed it was crawling with police officers, journalist and the remaining passengers. Raghu jumped out his car and marched towards the bus despite being stopped by various officers, there was no stopping him Karan..Karan Raghu shouted at the top of his voice before he knew it a young man still trembling from the ordeal stood before him I am Karan. Raghu grabbed him by his arms what the hell happened Karan, where is Antara Raghu didnt realise how hard he was shaking Karan as he spoke to him. A police officer immediately ran up to him trying to get him to let go Sir you need to step away from him, please we need you to move back Raghu gritted his teeth letting go of Karan he turned to the officer in full rage I am not going anywhere until I know where Antara is I am not moving do you understand by this time a few other officers had come to their seniors side. Mr.. the officer was cut off by Raghu who aggressively finished of the sentence ..Raghunath Naik Look Mr Naik if you can just come back for a few seconds I will update you on what is happening, shouting at this poor boy will not help Raghu looked at Karan who was standing there in even more shock than before. Raghu took in a deep breath sorry Karan I didnt mean to lash out as Raghu was about to follow the inspector he turned back remembering that Sahil mentioned two people Karan was...Aisha not with you? Karan looked at Raghu fighting back the tears in his eyes yes Mr Naik they took Aisha as well as Antara Raghu heart took another plunge something hard hit him in the pit of his stomach. Inspector... Vickram..Vikram Kapur the inspector extended his hand out to shake Raghus. What happened, who are these people and what do they want... Raghu started bombarding Inspector Vickram with questions. Mr Naik all we know is that a group of local thugs stopped the coach yesterday afternoon, they randomly selected a group of 10 people and took them away, we know that they are hiding out in the woodlands downhill, we dont know how many of them there are nor if they are armed, and we are yet to determine their motives. As soon as we were informed we got here, we followed the direction in which they left thats where we found various items of personal belongings dumped. I believe that is how Karan the young boy was able to contact you, we have our team with out there looking for them now. Raghu was seething pure venom but he knew at this moment in time there was very little he could do other than hope against all odds that his Antara was safe and sound. Raghu walked up to Karan and placed his hands on his shoulder how did you know to call me? I...I didnt really know who to call, me and Aisha were with Antara most of the day and I know she had been trying to get hold of you to tell you about our sudden trip, I remember Aisha teasing her about you and talking to her about the Fashion Show next week, thats how I figured out you must be Raghunath Naik , you were the last number on her redial list...and ...and thanks Karan Raghu squeezed his shoulder to reassure him and tell him that it was ok. Raghu called Aman and told him of what was going on, he was adamant that no one else was to know of what was happening, although with journalists around it would only be a matter of time until this hit the news. Raghu was not only well known for his success but he was very influential he got Aman to contact the national intelligence agency and set up a telephone meeting a.s.a.p., there was no way he could just sit back waiting he needed to get Antara back right now at any cost. As Raghu waited for Aman to call back he called home to check on Naani and get an update on how Shruti was doing raghu, you left so early, is everything ok? Yes Naani, I just had a lot to do...you know with the Youth Festival around the corner...Naani is Shruti ok, have you heard from her, when is she back Naani started laughing slow down Raghu, I think you have overdosed yourself on caffeine...to answer your questions Shruti is fine, she should be home within the hour. Raghu sighed and this time being more conscious of the way he spoke he thanked Naani telling her he would call back soon. As Raghu looked through Antaras last messages in his phone he heard loud noises and commotion coming from the opposite side of the road. He ran up to find out what was going on he finally managed to grab the attention of Inspector Vickram Inspector whats all the rush whats going on? Raghus voice was on edge we have just heard news that our SWAT team had just located their hideout it will only be a matter of time before we get them. Me and a few of my men are going down there now... Raghu didnt let the Inspector finish Im coming with you Raghu saw how the Inspector reacted to what he had just said and before he could say anything I am coming whether you like it or not Inspector as soon as Raghu had finished talking his phone rang it was a call from the intelligence agency he moved back talking the officer on the other side. After a good five minute Raghu walked back up to the Inspector and handed him the phone. As the Inspector spoke his eyes widened to say he was staggered by who he was talking to and what he was listening to would be an understatement. Inspector Vickram disconnected the call and walked up to Raghu returning his phone you have a lot of good friends in high places Mr Naik, looks like you will be coming with us Raghu responded with a nod, Inspector Vickram ordered another officer to give Raghu a bullet proof vest before they set off. As they made their way Inspector Vickram turned to Raghu I hope the person you are going down for is worth risking your life for you have no idea inspector, she is my life, and without her I may as well be dead. Raghu meant every word, he could not contemplate life without Antara, she meant everything to him, he had decided that the first thing that he would do once he gets hold of her was ensure that she never left his side again and the only way he could do that if she became Antara Raghunath Naik. They had been walking for good part of an hour now; Raghu knew they were getting close as she had seen a number of comrades dressed in black carrying riffles. Raghu was not the most practicing believer, he looked up in vain pleading to his lord, asking him begging him to let Antara be safe. It was another ten minutes before Inspector Vickram brought everyone to a halt. In the distance they could see a worn down building which was guarded by two men outside. Inspector Vickram approached the officer who was leading the rescue mission as he was talking to him to get an update Raghu stood here glaring at the house his anxiety, anger and frustration was reaching dangerous levels. Mr Naik we are moving in, I need you to stay here as the level of danger is still unknown and we do not want any unnecessary casualties Raghu gave the man a deadly look there is no way I am staying here, I need to be there I need to know she is ok Mr Naik if you do not stay as you have been told to, I will have my men put you under arrest the Inspector bit back. Raghu clenched his fist it took everything in his body to hold himself back from punching the Inspector senseless. Raghu had little choice but to stand back feeling totally helpless. Everything seemed to happen in a matter of minutes in a blink of an eye. All Raghu could hear was shouting and guns being shot he quickly got up and started to run only to be held back by two officers Raghu tried his level best to free himself but it was useless. The noise of the gun shots and the screams echoed in his ears he was losing all control of his movements he started to gasp for air please ...please let her be ok he pleaded with a single tear streaming down his face. Raghu had never felt so weak before he wasnt coping as everything around him came to a sudden stop being engulfed by a deadly silent his eyes manically searched for some movement but there was nothing. His heart pounded as he heard cackles of the radio the officer standing next to him was holding the officer shouted out to others around him who quickly made their way forward. It was the longest five minutes of Raghus life he finally saw people being brought out, not giving a damn anymore he quickly ran towards them searching for Antara. His stomach was churning his whole body was creating havoc he reached the building where he saw that one by one the captives were being brought out in states of shear fright. Raghu ran up to Inspector Vickram where is she where is Antara he screamed Mr Naik...please stand back he said irritated as he held on to a young girl trying to get her to out. As Raghu started to blur as he searched for Antara, it was just then he saw an officer carry out a girl he recognized the top it was Antara. Raghu ran up to him and grabbed Antara off of him. He looked down at her in utter shock, her face was dirty stained with dried up tears and her forehead bleeding. He lay her down holding her head up resting it on his knew antara...antara...wake up...please antara can you hear me he continued to shake her and tap her face trying to get her to respond. Raghu felt like he was dying a thousand deaths as he held on to Antara , he saw a number of ambulances approach and various medical team disperse. He lifted Antara into his arms and ran towards the first medic he could see. Raghu stood back looking down at Antara as the medic attended to her. They quickly moved her into one of the ambulances ready to take her back to the hospital, Raghu insisted on going with her and was not going to take no for an answer. On the way to the hospital Raghu pulled out his phone to update Aman. He asked him to have his car picked up and to let his family know that he was caught up in meetings so will make contact later. Raghu tried to compose his erratic breathing and illogical thoughts he needed to concentrate on Antara who was being poked and prodded by the paramedic. As they reached the hospital various doctors and nurses came and rushed Antara into a room closing the door leaving a traumatised Raghu standing. Aman, is everything ok Raghu asked as he answered his phone yes, I just wanted to let you know that your car has been picked up and I spoke to Naani, she said Shruti was home and is fine, she has been resting...um also the whole incident hit the one oclock news...raghu maybe you should let everyone know whats going on Raghu took in a deep sigh I will Aman, I just need to make sure Antara is ok, actually do me a favour let Sara and Sahil know but tell them not to mention anything to anyone yet, also make sure that Aisha and Karan are ok, I was so caught up with getting Antara I totally forgot about Aisha Raghu mentally cursed himself dont worry Raghu Ill sort it.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:59:24 +0000
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